Slight modifications in the curriculum have included:
We have not started Latin yet. The Spanish is more "difficult" to incorporate than anticipated (i.e. is taking more of our time). Also, Haley's days are long enough (about 6.5 hours at home) just with the Hybrid School curriculum (Language, History, Science, Math, and Spanish). Haley has quite a bit of reading expected of her in History/Language Arts - and she's not a fast reader yet. So we've gotten audio books, and read to her to keep her caught up (for discussions, ability to use the information to write papers, AND to have the knowledge of the story in her intellect - which was the most important aspect to me, hence the reason we read it to her, or buy the audio book for her to follow along). But this semester, we are weaning that a bit, but her reading speed has increased, so it's working out!!
Also, she's increasing her piano time because her teacher believes that if she's pushed a bit more the results will be phenomenal. So the goal is 2 hours of practice per day on piano (and prepare for her *own* solo spring recital!!), and 30 minutes on harp. PLUS she wants to run track this spring (starts next month) so...
...we have put Latin, Debate, additional music (choir/vocal), sign-language, vocabulary all on hold for now as we adjust to whats currently on our plate. Instead we've extended piano, harp, added track. We are allowing her to read on her own more, and she has started a blog all of which require time.
Plan: After our immersion activity this Spring/Summer (May/June) we will revisit vocabulary and Latin.
For IAN
He has started guitar. I'm toying with the idea of doing a Math Camp (like Mathnasium of some sort) with him. He had a hip issue which limited his physical activity - so the afterschool PE had to be placed on hold. Thinking about swimming - but if Ian isn't enthusiastic about it, that time may be better spent on an IT class (something he's asked about a couple of times recently). He is also taking afterschool art class, as he enjoys art.
Plan: Continue the spelling, handwriting, math, language, history and art being taught at school. Add afterschool art. Continue guitar for music. Find IT/computer class. Consider Mathnaisum. Would like to add Spanish, but don't see how to do that right now.
For HANA
Great news with Hana is:
1) Kindergarten doesn't require much time outside of the 14 hours they're with the teachers. And in class, shes doing phonics, handwriting, math, Spanish, and spelling. At home, she practices math and handwriting. I show them Spanish Sesame Street to help develop an ear for the language.
2) We moved her from one gym to another gym (for gymnastics). Now she's on the Team (level 2) and practices 9 hours/week. So she's busy. Haley is teaching her the piano. Outside social is primarily Jack and Jill.
Overall, I'd like to start incorporating more "Spiritual Development" into the curriculum. They get the Christianity spin in school, but I'd like for them to explore deeper spirituality (i.e. the meaning/purpose beyond the religions). That'll be a summertime curriculum goal since the academic year has proven to be quite full. Much of the "fullness" is due to the hands-on approach a transition requires. As Haley becomes more independent, I can see the sun thru the clouds as clarity descends and more of my energy can be redirected from the "basics" to more "elaborate" homeschooling.
